The news from the August report came in “over-the-year increases in nonfarm payroll employment.” Midland posted the second highest percentage (5.6) of all 306 metropolitan areas -- trailing only Lawrence, Kansas (+5.9 percent). In fact, Midland showed a work force in August of 98,800, an increase of nearly 4,000 from August 2013.

The following are the lowest unemployment rates in the nation during the month of August, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.